§ Mr. Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will explain the reasons for declaring 500 employees of the Rating and Valuation Department of the Inland Revenue redundant; and what is the cause of this redundancy.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI assume that the hon. Member is referring to redundant estimators. These temporary officers were recruited to prepare material for the revaluation of certain houses in accordance with the basis of assessment laid down in the Local Government Act, 1948. The proposal to introduce legislation to amend this basis, which was announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government on 1st August, 1952, means that their services are no longer needed.